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The Pride marches on

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH — Plymouth High School Band Director Bryan Ames speaks proudly of the accomplishments of this year’s band as it heads into semi-state competition at Plainfield this weekend. The band participated in the ISSMA Regional Marching Festival Oct. 16. “The Pride of Plymouth” as they are known throughout the state ranked near the top of the field of 17 bands at the competition and were able to advance to the next level.
This is only the second time that the Plymouth band has advanced out of the regionals. The first time was in 2008.
Now, their work is cut out for them when they go up against 19 other bands at the semi-state level. Ten of the 20 bands will advance to the state competition that will be held in Indianapolis.
Ames gives much of the credit to the leadership of this year’s upperclassmen.
“They have stepped up more than I have seen from other years,” he said, also praising the parents (grandparents and others) who help with the band week after week. “The parent support has been outstanding. They provide meals before and after our performances.”
While he doesn’t know the exact number of parent volunteers, he estimates that it totals dozens each competition. During the Harvest Festival of Bands hosted by Plymouth two weeks ago, Ames said more than 100 volunteers were involved in every aspect of the event.
Ames is also counting on support from the community at the contests.
“I really hope the community comes out to support the kids,” he said. “They do better with a large cowed cheering for them.”
Ames is in his fourth year as the director at Plymouth.